An overview on desiccation-tolerant mat-forming monocotyledons on tropical inselbergs

Porembski, S.; Rexroth, Juliane; Weising, Kurt; Bondi, Luiz; Mello‐Silva, Renato de; Centeno, Danilo da Cruz; Datar, Mandar N.; Watve, Aparna; Thiombano, Adjima; Tindano, Elycée; Rabarimanarivo, Marina; Paula, Luiza F. A. de

doi:10.1016/j.flora.2021.151953

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…Globally, desiccation tolerance has been estimated to occur in between 300 and 1500 vascular plants belonging to 21 families of pteridophytes (10) and angiosperms (11) (Proctor and Pence 2002, Bartels and Hussain 2011, Porembski 2011, Porembski 2021). Interestingly, 90% of the global DT plants of 13 families grow on rock outcrops like inselbergs (Porembski and Barthlott 2000).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With the intention to develop an update on the DT plants of India, information was compiled following a thorough literature search (Gaff 1971, 1974, 1977, 1986, 1987, Gaff and Latz 1978, Gaff and Bole 1986, Ghasempour et al 1998, Tuba et al 1998, Alpert 2000, Alpert and Oliver 2002, Proctor and Pence 2002, Kappen and Valladares 2007, Kessler and Siorak 2007, Proctor 2009, Porembski 2011, Marks et al 2021, Porembski 2021). Species reported as DT from India in the literature, and the species confirmed as DT in other regions but also occurring in India, were compiled in the form of a checklist.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Large desiccation tolerant mat forming monocots (DTMFM) predominate over huge areas (i.e. many km 2 ) of the basaltic cliffs in the NWG and granite inselbergs in the southern WG (Porembski et al 2021). These mats form isolated patches of epilithic monocots attached to the rock by their dense, wiry roots (Porembski 2007) and sometimes grow on moss cushions and in depressions, which is unique to WG region.…”

Section: Habitats and Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within India, the mountain range of the Western Ghats (WG) is known for its species richness and degree of endemism (Gunawardene et al 2007). The WG are characterized by a seasonal monsoon climate and comprise one of the largest basaltic rock outcrops in the Northern Hemisphere (Porembski et al 2021). Owing to the dominance of rock outcrops in this region (Shigwan et al 2020b), it can be expected that the region may hold a large number of DT plants which are yet to be documented.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, a comprehensive documentation of Indian DT species is altogether lacking. The relatively poor knowledge about Indian DT plants, is hampering global estimates of numbers of DT plants (Meirelles et al 1997, Proctor and Pence 2002, Porembski 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Desiccation‐tolerant vascular plants from Western Ghats, India: review, updated checklist, future prospects and new insights

Vijayan

Kulkarni

Shigwan

et al. 2023

Nordic Journal of Botany

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Desiccation‐tolerant vascular (DT) plants are predominant occupants of rock outcrops in tropical regions. Though rock outcrops are common landscapes in the Western Ghats (WG), a biodiversity hotspot in India, knowledge of DT plants in the region is poor. This study provides an overview of Indian DT vascular plants, emphasizing the WG, and includes an inventory of species with their habitat preferences. Outcrop species were scrutinized for their DT properties by seasonal field observations, followed by relative water content estimation protocols. The inventory revealed 62 DT species, many more than the earlier known nine species. Nine genera of DT plants are reported as new also in a global perspective, and Tripogon capillatus represent the first record of an epiphytic DT angiosperm. We also provide the first field observation‐based proof of DT properties of the gesneriad Corallodiscus lanuginosus. Of the 62 species, 16 are Indian endemic, and 12 are exclusive to Western Ghat outcrops, highlighting WG's importance as a global DT hotspot. In addition to rock outcrops, partially shaded sites in forests are crucial habitats for DT species. This pioneering inventory addresses India's need for more knowledge on DT plants and opens new research avenues.

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